An Essay of Dramatic Poesy by John Dryden (Vintage 1952 Hardcover)

Description

“An Essay of Dramatic Poesy” is a critical work by John Dryden, a prominent English poet, playwright, and critic of the late 17th century. This essay, published in 1668, represents one of the earliest major works of English literary criticism and is a significant text in the history of literary theory.

In the essay, Dryden, through the voices of four characters, engages in a lively and intellectual debate about the nature of drama and poetry. The characters involved in this discussion are Lisideius, Crites, Eugenius, and Neander, each representing different perspectives on the subject of drama.

The main points of discussion in “An Essay of Dramatic Poesy” include:

1. Neoclassical vs. Romantic Drama: The characters debate the merits of classical drama (ancient Greek and Roman) versus the contemporary Romantic drama (English and French). Neander, who represents Dryden’s own views, argues in favor of the superiority of the ancients’ approach to drama. He emphasizes the unity of action, the observance of the three unities (time, place, and action), and the use of verse in classical drama as essential elements that make it superior to the more irregular and extravagant style of modern plays.

2. The Function of Drama: The essay discusses the primary purpose of drama, which is to imitate and instruct. Neander asserts that classical drama, with its adherence to the rules, better fulfills this function by presenting characters and situations that are morally instructive and universally relatable.

3. Verisimilitude and Nature: The concept of verisimilitude (the appearance of truth) in drama is explored. The characters debate how closely drama should mirror reality. They also discuss the necessity of poetic license in crafting characters and situations that engage the audience and convey essential moral or philosophical ideas.

4. The Role of Rhyme and Verse: The use of rhyme and verse in drama is debated. Neander argues that rhyme and verse contribute to the beauty and musicality of the language, and they should be preserved in dramatic works.

Overall, “An Essay of Dramatic Poesy” is significant not only for its discussion of dramatic theory but also for its contributions to the development of English literary criticism. Dryden’s essay helped shape the neoclassical principles that influenced English drama and poetry for much of the 17th and 18th centuries. It was part of the ongoing debate regarding the value and purpose of literature and theater during this period and remains a key text for understanding the literary and critical trends of the time.